Islamabad: Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar Haq has said that America should play its due role to help resolve the Kashmir dispute to ensure peace and stability in South Asia.
The AJK premier made these assertions while talking to advisor to US President on culture Shahid Ahmed Khan who called on him here today.Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Haq, while stressing the need for early and amicable settlement of the long running Kashmir dispute, said that a deeper engagement on the part of the united states of America was imperative to resolve the long-drawn-out conflict that has now assumed dangerous proportions.
Terming Kashmiris’ ongoing freedom movement as a just and legitimate struggle, the PM said that the Kashmiri people have been struggling for their legitimate right, the right to self-determination, which has been guaranteed to them by the United Nations.
Referring to the worsening political and human rights situation in the Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, he said, ” India has deployed 900,000 troops in Occupied Kashmir, who are involved in gross violations of human rights”.He said that India has forcible occupation the territory against the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.The PM also apprised Mr. Khan about the illegall detention of Hurriyat leaders, forced disappearances, and continued bloodshed and violence in Occupied Kashmir.He said that it was high time that the US should come forward in a big way to help resolve the Kashmir dispute, which he said was the main cause and consequence of the unrest in the region.The AJK premier, on the occasion, appreciated the role the US played in the rescue and relief operation in Azad Kashmir during the 2005 earthquake.Lauding the scholarship program offered by the US government to Kashmiri students, the Prime Minister said that it gives the students an opportunity to understand the American culture.He also appreciated the role of the American government in the development projects in Azad Kashmir under the USAID.The Prime Minister also presented a commemorative shield to the visiting guest.